GEORGE H. THOMAS.
Carte de Visite Signed “George H. Thomas/ Brig Genl. USA” on mount just below image of Thomas in his Brigadier Generals uniform. Published by Morse’s Gallery of the Cumberland, Nashville, TN. Dated February 15, 1865 on verso by the recipient, a cavalry officer under Thomas’s command. Partial R2 revenue stamp on verso. 2⅜ x 4 in.

George H. Thomas (1816-1870) graduated 12th in the West Point class of 1840, fought with distinction in the Mexican War, and remained in the U.S. Army after his home state, Virginia, seceded. Promoted to brigadier general of volunteers in August 1861, Thomas was assigned to Kentucky, where he won a significant victory at Mill Springs in January, 1862. He fought at Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, and Stones’ River (or Murfreesboro), but won widest acclaim for his role in covering the Army of the Cumberland’s retreat at Chickamauga. For this he was thereafter known as the “Rock of Chickamauga.” He succeeded William S. Rosecrans in command of the Army of the Cumberland for the remainder of the war. First under Grant’s and then under Sherman’s Western Department Command, Thomas led his army during the campaigns for Chattanooga and Atlanta. When Sherman marched to the sea, Thomas and the Army of the Cumberland faced off against John Bell Hood in Tennessee, and ultimately destroyed Hood’s army at the Battles of Franklin and Nashville in late 1864.

Condition

Some rubbing of surface in blank background, mounting traces on verso, but very good overall.